Sesko's Agent Blasts Man Utd Over Star Striker's Diminished Role

Benjamin Šeško's representative Elvis Basanovic has pushed back against claims that his client is merely a "super sub," asserting that the Slovenian international is simply a "super striker."

Šeško made his way to Old Trafford in a headline-grabbing $98.8 million (£73.7 million) deal befitting a regular starter, only to find himself struggling under Ruben Amorim. The ex-RB Leipzig striker's commitment has never been questioned—he is consistently among the first through the doors at Carrington and the last to leave—yet that dedication did little to shield him from scrutiny under the previous manager.

The 22-year-old has experienced a stunning turnaround in form since Michael Carrick took charge, netting five goals across nine appearances. However, four of those efforts have come after Šeško entered the pitch from the bench, earning him a label that his agent has openly taken issue with.

"If you ask me about this name, I don't like it," Basanovic told Slovenian broadcaster Arena Sport. "I like 'super striker' much more. I think Benjamin is a super striker.

"He has started 13 games this year, coming off the bench in 13 games. He scored half of his goals when he started the game and half when he came off the bench.

"We can see that he is a complete striker and Benjamin is someone who deserves the name 'super striker.'"

Sesko's Stats As Starter vs. Sub

Stats via UnderStat.

Šeško's 26 Premier League outings this season have been divided equally between starts and substitute appearances. The imposing forward registers a notably lower scoring rate when leading the attack from kick-off, though that is hardly surprising given the context.

As an impact substitute, Šeško is able to exploit fatigued defenses that have spent the better part of an hour being stretched by the lively Bryan Mbeumo, who has been Carrick's preferred central striker so far.

The statistics also hint that Šeško's current output may be difficult to maintain. United's summer signing has converted four goals from an xG of just 2.54—nearly double the efficiency of a typical forward. On a simpler level, Šeško has found the net with 29% of his shots as a substitute—a conversion rate that even the sharpest finishers rarely sustain over an extended run.

Sesko Singing From Different Hymn Sheet

There are clear motivations behind Šeško's agent lobbying for more starting opportunities. Securing a place in the first XI has long been seen as a benchmark for any established professional and typically carries the added incentive of a start-related bonus. Yet in today's game, with five substitutions permitted, players and their representatives may need to adjust their expectations around playing time.

In many respects, managers are still not fully capitalizing on the option to rotate half their outfield players each match. Consider the tactical advantage of overhauling an entire attacking unit at the interval from a fitness perspective: sides could sustain a high-intensity press for the full 90 minutes. This could represent a new tactical frontier—but only if the stigma surrounding bench roles or early substitutions is overcome. Šeško has demonstrated a readiness to set his ego aside.

"I'm getting settled in the league from game to game," the youngster beamed recently. "Again, I'm not even thinking about 'I have to start, I have to start.'

"For me it's just whenever coach decides to put me there one time or not I'm just going to be there. If I get the next minutes, five minutes, I'm going to use them and for me it's just about trying to enjoy and delivering for the team."